Comments on: Silky Oak, what you really need to know

By: Rebel Gardener

Rebel Gardener — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:10:01 +0000

I’m sorry but if it hasn’t had any foliage since last fall (I take it you mean autumn?) it sounds like it might have died. You may need to consult with an arbourist.

By: Di

Di — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 23:05:47 +0000

I planted two silky oaks arround 4 yrs ago 4 metres apart.They both have grown to the size of 8 metres high both just beautiful, then one lost all its leaves last fall and has been like that since.The other is full of foliage.not quite sure what to do,and have been awaiting any sign of green.I am on the mid north coast and there are lots of beautiful silky oaks here all doing well.

By: Rebel Gardener

Rebel Gardener — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:03:20 +0000

The best solution would be to take one of the chewed leaves to your local garden centre and ask them there as they would be more qualified to give give advice relevant to your local conditions. If you can’t see any bugs during the day you may be able to check it of an evening after dark. I have a silky oak growing in a pot here in Melbourne and the new growth got eaten by caterpillars in spring, which were difficult to see on the new stems as they do camouflage really well but there’s no guarantee that they will be the same culprits in Brisbane.

By: Erin

Erin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:38:10 +0000

I am new to gardening but really keen on native plants so excitedly planted a silky oak I got for xmas (nursery-bought)around late December 2009 (I live in Brisbane).
When it was given to me, some of the leaves were dead (perhaps sun-scorched given time of year?), so I pruned those off and then planted it out on my footpath to see how it would go (it’s about 2m tall but fairly sparse, no low branches, cover over only about top third of trunk, with a shoot coming out at ground level).
It has started sprouting new leaves, but I’ve noticed that the new leaves seem to be being eaten by something (i.e. down to the stems) and others are dying. Is this normal? I can’t see any bugs on it but am keen to get onto it quickly if I need to so I don’t lose it.
Thank you!

By: Rebel Gardener

Rebel Gardener — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:57:52 +0000

You should be ok in Brisbane to prune now. I’ve got plants here in Melbourne that I pruned a month ago that are showing signs of regrowth. If you’re unsure of how much to take off just be judicious with your silky oak and don’t try to achieve your final result in one go. Cut the offending branches first and then wait for it respond. Over time you should be able to prune it back into an attractive tree that won’t drop leaves in your neighbours yard. Best of luck.

By: Roger W. Briggs

Roger W. Briggs — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:46:42 +0000

Thanks R.G. for your reply. I live in Brisbane so frosty winters aren’t a concern. So does this mean that the pruning could take place at anytime in the year or is there a better time?

By: Rebel Gardener

Rebel Gardener — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:48:32 +0000

Hi Roger. Silky oaks are renowned for this and unfortunately the leaf litter is just part of owning one. One option you have though is to prune the offending branches that hang over your neighbours fence. I’ve seen Silky Oaks that have been pruned quite severely because they’re growing under powerlines. They respond quite well to pruning and these specimens formed a low wide canopy like a large mushroom with low hanging branches which bought the flowers closer to the ground. So if you get to the stage where removal is an option, to maintain good neighbour relations, you may be better off pruning it over time into a shape that doesn’t cause it to drop leaves in you neighbours yard. Remember, if you live in an area with frosty winters autumn may not be a good time to start pruning it.

By: Roger W. Briggs

Roger W. Briggs — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:02:22 +0000

Is there anything that can be done to minimize the leaf fall from my large silky oak tree. The tree is over 30 yrs old – was about 400mm high when planted – and is easily 25-30 metres high. Its a wonderful shade tree during summer and a picture when in flower in spring but it drops its leaves all over the neighbour’s garden and in his pool and is causing major problems!!

By: Rebel Gardener

Rebel Gardener — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:54:48 +0000

Many plants respond well to pruning when young which sets them up to grow into much bushier and attractive plants. Sounds like you’re now reaping the benefits with trees that provide privacy. All the Best.

By: lozzi

lozzi — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:05:41 +0000

I built my house 5 years ago in a rural area in east Qld (Mareeba) which is such a dry place .I have planted so many silky oak trees that they are now 3 years old and looking great…they give privacy, I hardly ever water them and they just keep growing. I trim them when they are young and now they are quite bushy…definately the drought tolerant tree to plant.